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Seeking Antiquity: A.W.N. Pugin and John Hardman Jr, Makers of Modern Gothic
One-day course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
This study day marks the exhibition, Makers of Modern Gothic: A.W.N. Pugin and John Hardman Jr in the V&A’s Julie and Robert Breckman Galleries (3rd March – 26th October 2025). Driven by a desire to address the challenges of modernity through architecture and social reform, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812–1852) pioneered the nineteenth-century Gothic Revival that still shapes our towns and villages. Pugin did not work alone. The exhibition showcases two major recent acquisitions of his drawings passed down through the families of Birmingham metalworker, John Hardman Jr, and the London builder, George Myers, that highlight Pugin’s close collaborations with them. The study day features talks, videos and in-person exploration of designs and objects that bring to life, in all their kaleidoscopic colours, the drawings shown in the exhibition. Pugin’s outpouring of creativity in his short life turned the Gothic Revival into a national style.
This study day will take place in-person at V&A South Kensington and will also be live streamed via Microsoft Teams.
> Prefer the flexibility of online? Book now for Seeking Antiquity: A.W.N. Pugin and John Hardman Jr, Makers of Modern Gothic (Online)
Please note, the study day will not be recorded.
This study day will take place in-person at V&A South Kensington and will also be live streamed via Microsoft Teams.
> Prefer the flexibility of online? Book now for Seeking Antiquity: A.W.N. Pugin and John Hardman Jr, Makers of Modern Gothic (Online)
Please note, the study day will not be recorded.
Study Day Leaders
Max Donnelly, Olivia Horsfall Turner, Angus Patterson and Ashley Weaver-Paul
Max Donnelly is Curator of Furniture at the V&A; Olivia Horsfall Turner is Chief Curator of the Royal Institute of British Architecture; Angus Patterson is Senior Curator of Metalwork at the V&A and Ashley Weaver-Paul is Curator of Ceramics and Glass (1800-1900)
A wonderful opportunity to learn in a world class museum Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
Course overview
Pugin claimed, ‘I seek antiquity not novelty. I strive to revive not invent,’ but he was happy to harness modern industry in order to do so. He designed cathedrals, churches, civic buildings and houses for wide-ranging clients including John Talbot, 16th Earl of Shrewsbury of Alton Towers and the commissioners of St George’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Southwark. He also designed his family home and jewellery for those he loved, including his wife Jane Knill. The drawings show how a wide circle of collaborators, clients and family helped turn Pugin’s Gothic dream into a reality for the modern world. Join us at V&A South Kensington as we explore Pugin's work.
Membership Priority Booking will open at 10.00 GMT on Wednesday 29 January. General Booking will open at 10.00 GMT on Monday 10 February 2025.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with incredible exemplars, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.
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One-day course: Seeking Antiquity: A.W.N. Pugin and John Hardman Jr, Makers of Modern Gothic
15 July 2025
£100.00
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
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Header image: Design by A.W.N. Pugin. Plan and elevation for enamelled and gilt reliquary © Victoria and Albert Museum, London